This offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks made two things clear: they wanted to get younger and rely on the 3-point shot more than ever before. With those two objectives completed, it would make little to no sense for them to bring in Russell Westbrook, the 36-year-old former MVP who remains unsigned, even if ESPN analyst and former Westbrook teammate Kendrick Perkins thinks differently.
"The season has started, and Russell Westbrook is not on a roster," Perkins said on the Road Trippin' podcast. "Do I believe he should be? Absolutely. I think he should be on the Milwaukee Bucks right now. But the reality is, for the first time in probably 15 years, Russell Westbrook is not on a roster."
Westbrook doesn't fit with the new-look Milwaukee Bucks
As mentioned, the lack of youth and 3-point shooting would make this a puzzling move for the Bucks.
Westbrook is about to turn 37 in early November. For a team that spent the offseason shedding its veteran players, such as Brook Lopez and Damian Lillard, and putting its faith in youngsters, pushing that identity to the side to sign Westbrook would certainly be a change of pace. The oldest rotational player on the roster currently is 31-year-old Taurean Prince. The Bucks likely want to keep it that way.
Sticking with the reliance on youth, the Milwaukee Bucks have made it clear how much they believe in their current point guard rotation of Cole Anthony, Ryan Rollins, and Kevin Porter Jr. While they aren't as experienced as someone like Russell Westbrook, they are much younger and have more room to grow as players.
They are also much better perimeter shooters. For his career, Russell Westbrook has shot a measly 30.5 percent from distance. For a team that wants to be among the top 10 - maybe even higher - in perimeter shot attempts this coming season, having a player like Westbrook would capitalizing on those shot attempts much more difficult.
Westbrook's lack of floor spacing capability would make it challenging to play him alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, given their respective desires to attack the paint. The Milwaukee Bucks are already set to be in a difficult position in this regard with Kyle Kuzma. Adding Westbrook to the equation, on top of that, could be a recipe for disaster.
Beyond both of those things, the Milwaukee Bucks also simply don't have the roster room right now. They have 21 players in tow as is, so not everyone with them in training camp will make the final cut. To make room for Westbrook, they would have to make some serious roster tweaks and likely give up on Amir Coffey, who is a much better fit for this roster.
The fit between Russell Westbrook and the Milwaukee Bucks just isn't there currently.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.